The Screenwriter's Workbook (Revised Edition) by Syd Field
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Book Reviews of The Screenwriter's Workbook (Revised Edition)
Book Review: Syd Field is all you need to be a screenwriter
Summary: 5 Stars
Syd Field is the real deal. The Foundations of Screenwriting + Screenwriter's Workbook = OscarBook Review: How to develop a 120-minute story
Summary: 4 Stars
I guess I won't find out just how effective the advice in the book is until I sell a screenplay, which means I need to write one first and then try to sell it. I do think this book will be helpful in that regard. It will help you structure your story and think about the primary issues - the writing part. However, if you are truly new to the screenplay genre you will need a companion volume that talks about simple presentation aspects, which are fairly precise in the screenplay business.
Another use that might be handy for you is if you have an idea for a good story that would work better in a setting for which you just don't have enough background for a book. For instance, I have such an idea in mind and there are certain parts of it that would require volumes of research far in excess of the real need in order to make the context work credibly. In a movie the short sequences and focused view can get the main message across without having to have a PHD in 1920's something-or-other just in case readers want to pick the details apart, which the leisure of a book allows. Whether you want to turn it into a screenplay or just use the movie-story format to help give your novella some shape, the commercial success of the movie format ought to be at least one option you consider.
Book Review: Write a Screenplay Step by Step
Summary: 4 Stars
I've tried writing a coherent and complete first draft of plays and screenplays without success. This book, coupled with Field's "Foundations of Screenwriting", guided me through using a systematic approach, and I completed a screenplay. I was actually amazed at myself.
The writing is clear, and Syd Field anticipates many problems a screenwriter will face along the way. I do credit this book with getting me to the finish line of writing a screenplay (this and MovieMagic Screenwriter). So, four stars from me.
On the negative side, it probably is best for beginning screenwriters. Plus, all the examples are movies from the '80s and earlier, so it seems fairly dated. However, his basic theories you can still see in most studio movies of today. It will also only lead you in writing the standard Hollywood epic structure type of screenplay.
Book Review: Great.
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a great book if you want to know how to format screenplays and any other questions you might have about actually writing one. Great resource.Book Review: Helpful
Summary: 3 Stars
Helpful for the novice writer but if you are more serious about it then don't let this be your only guide.